What Is the CPWA® Certification Exam Format?

The CPWA® certification exam is proctored, and you can take it in person or online. You’ll want to plan ample time when you schedule your exam.

What Is the CPWA® Certification Exam Format?

The CPWA® certification exam is proctored, and you can take it online or in person. Either way, when you schedule your exam, you’ll want to plan for a full day.

4

hours for the timed and proctored exam

10

unscored pretest questions

125

scored multiple-choice questions

150

hours of preparation recommended

How Do CPWA® Certification Exam Questions Evaluate My Knowledge?

The questions on the CPWA® certification exam are multiple choice—a format that enables broad representation of the certification curriculum while testing your knowledge and skills at various levels.

  • Recall questions test your ability to recognize and remember specific facts, generalizations, theories, and principles.

  • Application questions draw on your ability to use what you know in different situations.

  • Analysis questions tap into your ability to synthesize what you know and come up with effective solutions, make judgements, or recommend a course of action.

    Learn More About How CPWA® Exams Are Developed

Looking for guided review, self-study guides, and ways to practice for the exam?

Explore CPWA® Exam Prep Offerings

What Topics Will Appear on the CPWA® Certification Exam?

The CPWA® certification exam aligns with the curriculum in the CPWA® Core Body of Knowledge.

TIP: Download and use the CPWA® detailed content outline as a study guide
4 Knowledge Domains
11 Knowledge Sections

Exam Percentage

Domain Sections
13%

Human Dynamics

  • Ethics
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Family Dynamics

34%

Wealth Management Technical Design
  • Tax Planning
  • Portfolio Management
  • Risk Management and Asset Protection

23%

Legacy Issues
  • Charitable Giving and Endowments
  • Estate Issues and Wealth Transfer

30%

Specialty Client Services
  • Planning for executives
  • Planning for Closely Held Business Owners
  • Retirement Management

Ready to take the CPWA® Certification Exam?